PUTRAJAYA: The government’s move to import frozen chicken is a temporary measure to stabilise prices at the retail level, says Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi.

       "There is more demand than supply. That is why we bring in supply and hope that at the retail level, prices will decrease because there is more competition for supply of chicken," the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister said after the Malaysia Excellence Business Award presentation here Thursday (Dec 9) night.

       He was explaining the government's decision to import frozen chicken to give consumers a cheaper price option.

       Nanta said the government had tried to control the price of chicken through a ceiling price under the Malaysian Family Maximum Price Scheme (SHMKM).

       The maximum price of standard chicken is set at RM9.30 per kg for retail sales and RM8 per kg for wholesalers in the peninsula, except Langkawi.

       In another development, Nanta, who is also Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) secretary-general, said the decision of Independent candidate for the Krian state seat Datuk Ali Biju to withdraw from contesting in the 12th Sarawak state election underlined the closeness in relations between Bersatu and GPS.

       Nanta also said GPS would be able to win the state polls this time, especially in the rural areas, as its election manifesto focused on relevant initiatives.

       Among them are intensifying development, providing assistance to those affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and also the Sarawak government's long-term plan that focuses on e-commerce development. - Bernama